SAUGUS — The town received $2.3 million in federal funding for the revitalization of Cliftondale Square through a Congressional Directed Spending federal funding request, which was included in the bipartisan omnibus federal spending bill signed into law late last year.
Town Manager Scott Crabtree announced the reception of the funds at a Board of Selectmen meeting Tuesday night, telling board members that the funds would likely be used for the demolition of the town-owned properties in the square, and for the construction of a parking lot on that site. Saugus now owns both 481 Lincoln Ave. and the adjacent property at 42 Jackson St. after both purchases were approved by Town Meeting last year.
The funds were “championed” by U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, and Saugus was among 160 communities statewide to receive CDS funds, Crabtree said. The Cliftondale grant is the second federal grant secured by the town in recent months, as Crabtree was able to secure an award for $1 million for public safety communication enhancements through a similar Congressional Directed Spending process.
In statements, Markey and Warren both emphasized the importance of Cliftondale to the town and said the funds represent an investment in what could be a key economic center for Saugus.
“Saugus families and small businesses deserve to see new life breathed into Cliftondale, a neighborhood full of promise,” said Markey. “I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure historic federal funding to support community-led efforts to revitalize Cliftondale — helping to bring in good jobs, upgrade essential infrastructure, and welcome new customers and visitors alike.”
“The Cliftondale Square Business District is the hub of commercial activity in Saugus, and this new $2.3 million federal grant will help revitalize shops, infrastructure, and housing in the District for generations to come,” added Warren. “I fought hard alongside advocates and residents like the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee for this funding — and I’ll keep making sure the federal government is a strong partner for our communities across Massachusetts.”
The revitalization of Cliftondale Square has long been among the top priorities for the town, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to immense disinvestment in Cliftondale despite its historical reputation as an important commercial and retail business district in Saugus.
A Cliftondale Revitalization Committee was convened in 2021, and produced a final report in March of last year, where they identified a lack of parking as one of the key issues holding back economic development in the square. Multiple town officials have suggested that parking could help lure a restaurant to the area, which could in turn boost foot traffic to other businesses.
Crabtree said the federal funds represent a “huge win” for the town.
“Growing up in Cliftondale it is near and dear to my heart to see the revitalization of this important business district,” said Crabtree in a statement. “I’m thrilled that we were able to deliver the funds necessary.”
State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), who represents the town, said Cliftondale has “the potential” to become a “thriving commercial center.”
“This funding and the acquired properties will be a catalyst for the square’s growth and improvement, particularly now that they can address the long-standing hurdle of providing accessible public parking in the area,” Crighton said.
The funds will allow the town to boost the revitalization process without having to go to residents for additional funding or account for projects in Cliftondale in the town’s budget, Crabtree said.
Board members appeared thrilled by the news, with a loud “wow” following Crabtree’s announcement of the funding.
“This whole board has worked so hard trying to revitalize Cliftondale Square,” said Vice Chair Debra Panetta. “We’ve done everything we could, we’ve supported the purchasing of the properties and now with this it’s just all come to a head.”
